Question

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the CPI stood at 215.9 in December 2009, while one year earlier it was 210.2. Suppose Janice's nominal income rose by 4% from December 2008 to December 2009 while Jeff's increased by only 2%. By what percentage did each of their real incomes change?

Answer 1

Annual rate of inflation = [(215.9 - 210.2) / 210.2] * 100

Annual rate of inflation = 2.7%

Real income change = Nominal income change - inflation rate

Janice Real income change = 4% – 2.7%

Janice Real income change = 1.3%

This means Janice's real income did increase by 1.3%.

Jeff Real income change = 2% – 2.7%

Jeff Real income change = -0.7%

This means Jeff's real income did decrease by 0.7%.